ne night I opened an email from a friend with an mp3 attached. The musician's name listed was Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. I had never really heard of, or listened to any of Ted Leo's work before. Evidently this musician has led quite a checkered life. He has jumped from many bands just like Al Gore changes his persona every year (including the new "bearded look"). Some of these bands make a pretty impressive list: Citizens Arrest, Chisel, The Spinanes, Secret Stars and the short lived Sin Eaters. This, however, was Ted Leo's solo work. No one else but himself and a backup band of course.


At first listen, I have to admit, I was not really catching on to this song. My friend usually has a profound taste in music. Anything he recommends, I usually enjoy it as well. So, I decided to go ahead and pick up this album (The Tyranny of Distance) hoping he wasn't trying to screw me. As usual, he didn't miss a beat.


This is one of those albums that took me a couple of listens to really enjoy. What makes it difficult is the fact Ted Leo has a falsetto voice that generally makes me cringe. The first couple of times I listened to the album I was really enjoying the music itself, but I just couldn't get past the voice. Finally I decided to just read the lyrics as each tune played along. Then it finally hit me. This is one hell of an album. Now, I won't say this is in my year's Top 10, but it will definitely be in the Top 20.


Tyranny is a strictly pop album, with a couple of punk overtone songs amidst. Come to find out that the drummer and producer of the album is no other than Brendan Canty of Fugazi. Another touted musician involved is Seb Thomson of Trans Am. Not bad. The first four songs off this album flow with an up-tempo beat making you bob your head up and down while listening. Timorous Me starts off the fifth track sounding like a remix of "Jack and Dianne". Just like "Jack and Diane" the song reminisces of Ted's past childhood along with the missed opportunity of love with a female fan. This album picks backup pace with a rambunctious Squeaky Fingers tune. At this point you can hear some of Ted's former band influences coming through with its punk undertones. If you had a couple of drinks and are feeling a little down, this tune will bring out the aggressor, making you want to smash your fist against the wall (believe me). The album ends with You Could Die, which Ted performs solo. In fact several of these songs are performed this way. This one really lightens the mood to the whole album, bringing you back on the ground, while settling your nerves.


If you can get past the voice, and enjoy up-beat pop, this album is not to be missed. I ended up picking up Ted's past solo work, which didn't even come close to touching this album. In fact, most of everything else I heard from Ted just didn't do it for me at all. This is one exception. What I suggest is that you download a couple of songs from Lookout Records (label) website. If you can get past the voice, pick up the album. It won't be in your cd changer everyday, but it will be a nice keepsake for a rainy day.